Maule walks

A hike that alternates between forest and fields, with a small pond that is ideal for a pleasant break.

This circular hike in the Beynes forest takes you past several underground gas storage sites. You will then cross the village of Saulx-Marchais, passing by its old church and town hall before crossing the fields to reach Neauphle-le-Vieux and the Mauldre river. Return to the starting point via the Beynes forest.

This walk, half rural and half woodland, takes you to 11 wash houses scattered throughout pretty villages in the region. They are of various designs and styles, most of them decorated with flowers, some of which are quite complex in design and/or large in size, offering clear, refreshing running water (although not drinkable), which is much appreciated when temperatures rise above 30°C. Two views of Mantes-la-Jolie and its cathedral, and the chimneys of the Porcheville power station often in view.

A short, pleasant, rural half-day hike with some historical features.

The first part of the circuit from Bures to Chapet passes through fields along farm tracks, then crosses Chapet and reaches the hamlet of Brezolles, before returning through the woods

A pleasant and varied short hike following the Vaucouleurs valley. Along the way, you will pass through charming villages, castles and an old abbey.

In the southern French Vexin region, this circuit takes you through fields and woods, playing leapfrog with the River Montcient. The Cave aux Fées, a covered passage dating from 2500 BC, bears witness to ancient human occupation. A dovecote, an old water mill and several wash houses are also worth seeing.

At the southern edge of the French Vexin, a loop that starts along the Montcient river, with the old Moulin Brûlé, and then alternates between ascents and descents in the woods or between fields.

Starting from the charming village of Brueil en Vexin, you will pass La Cave aux Fées, a Neolithic burial site dating from around 2000 BCE. Then, through a varied, hilly landscape, you will discover a few hamlets and a village with its wash house and old bridge.

It's a very varied walk, combining nature, culture, history, tourism and curiosities. All of which means you won't miss a mile. And if you're lucky enough to do it in good weather, you'll come home feeling like you've just been on holiday.

An easy and very pleasant circuit in the Rambouillet forest, passing by the Étangs de Hollande.

A short walk on either side of the Ru de Gally, with beautiful views of the plain and the Palace of Versailles and a rich heritage in the charming village of Rennemoulin.

Around Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche station - Marly Forest, a walk in a beautiful deciduous forest. It suffered greatly from the great storm of 1999, which flattened the oak trees on the motorway like straw, but this hike has a high density of remarkable trees (oaks, hornbeams, beeches). As the Marly forest is crossed by several busy roads, this hike focuses on the quietest part. It also offers a few viewpoints.

A mainly forest route with several remarkable trees here and there. The site of the Croix Saint-Michel offers a view stretching as far as Paris. A short but fairly challenging hike, given the alternating ascents and descents (the total elevation gain is probably underestimated; allow for around 200m).

A loop starting from the National Scout Centre in Jambville. The very hilly route is marked in yellow.

A short walk along the streams of the Plaine de Versailles, including the Ru de Gally, which rises in the castle grounds. The charming village of Rennemoulin boasts a chapel, a wash house and an old bridge, while the Fontaine de Maltoute is a pleasant place to stop and rest in the shade.

A beautiful walk through stunning and varied landscapes. Historic detours along the way.

A short hike in the rolling landscape of the French Vexin, among woods, fields and meadows that are home to many horses.

A station-to-station walk, which can also be done as a slightly shorter loop. The route is mainly woodland, using both signposted paths and little-travelled paths in the undergrowth. The Étang du Corra, a protected site, offers an interlude with beautiful views and the chance to spot many birds.

The route follows the Avenue Verte (Paris-London cycle route) from Jouy-le-Moutier to Vauréal. After crossing the Oise at the major axis, it returns via the Cergy ponds and the towpath to the Pont de Neuville bridge.

A short walk, where heritage sites (churches, wash houses, covered walkway) alternate with a path along the Oise river.

A hike with varied landscapes, in the hollow of a bend in the Seine: views of the river banks, a vast stretch of water, a nature reserve and bird observatories, cultivated plains and, finally, a pleasant walk through the Bois de la Garenne.

Between ponds, oak forests, pine forests and birch woods, this is a beautiful hike in the north of the Rambouillet Forest. A varied route in a peaceful setting.

During your walk, you will follow the Seine and one of its branches, as well as waterways that are home to various species of birds. A short tour of the village of Guernes is also planned.

A very beautiful hike to discover the wonderful rural and natural landscape of the north-west of the Chevreuse Valley, offering a radical change of scenery from the urban and commercial area of Coignières.

A loop starting from Vigny via Théméricourt and Avernes.

The upstream part of this series of three hikes devoted to the Bièvre river. A very pleasant walk along the river and its bodies of water, in a mostly rural setting. A hike from station to station, which can be used to adjust the length depending on the weather conditions or desires of the hikers.

A mainly forest route which, as it winds its way through villages, passes no fewer than four castles dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries.

A short forest hike in two stages. After a lovely view of the former Port-Royal-des-Champs Abbey, you climb up the Vallon du Rodhon on a path and trails that wind through the undergrowth. The hike then follows the wide paths of the Port-Royal Forest.

The French Vexin region has numerous megalithic sites dating from the late third millennium B.C. This walk gives you the chance to visit a dolmen in a perfect state of preservation. As you stroll through the fields and woods, you will also be able to see some lovely churches and castles.

In the heart of the Forêt de Rambouillet, a walk tinged with fern and heather, to discover a Neolithic dolmen and a charming valley along a stream.

A short hike in the Upper Chevreuse Valley, rich in heritage and offering beautiful views of the Vallon du Pommeret and the wooded hills that surround it.

At the heart of the Chevreuse Valley Natural Park, a hike that allows you to wander through a protected natural site with a trail laid out by the Park. In the Bois de Maincourt, one can see ancient sandstone quarries. The course of the river Yvette, which the trail follows on the way back, finally allows a patrimonial approach with old mills and old washhouses.

A hike on the slopes of both banks of the Viosne, alternating between cultivated fields, woodland and charming villages. For about 3 kilometres, the route follows the course of an ancient Roman road, the Chaussée Jules César. There is a rich heritage to discover along the way: mills, a castle, churches, crosses, wash houses and beautiful houses.

A short walk that starts on a shaded path and ends along the Seine with beautiful views of the chalk cliffs on the opposite bank.

Nestled in a bend of the Seine, the Moisson nature reserve offers a guaranteed change of scenery! Alternating between forest and moorland trails, this short hike should appeal to nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.

Loop starting from Chérence. The Seine, troglodyte dwellings and gliders. Pass through the Coteaux de la Seine reserve, which is closed for nesting from 1 March to 30 June.

In the footsteps of Jean Racine, in places steeped in history. A walk through a variety of environments, between forests, meadows and cultivated fields, with a lovely view of the ancient Abbey of Port-Royal des Champs.

A very varied hike that combines: - Regional Forest of the Roche-Guyon, - A beautiful, quiet valley, - The town of La Roche and its castle, - and finally, a scenic route overlooking the Seine.